Country star Garth Brooks was among the mourners

They included American country singer Garth Brooks and Irish music manager Louis Walsh.

The 74-year-old was buried in his home town of Jonesboro after Requiem Mass in St Brigid's Church in Belfast.

In a letter read out at the funeral, singer Bruce Springsteen said he and his family felt "crushed".

"Such a big part of the joy we feel when we come to Ireland is seeing that big grin of yours when we come off stage."

He wrote that he and his wife Patti Scialfa "send out love a thousands times over".

I dare say if it wasn't for big Jim Aiken I wouldn't have got this show off the ground Michael Flatley Entertainment promoter dies In pictures: Tributes

Hundreds of mourners packed the church on the Malone Road to hear tributes paid to the man dubbed "Gentleman Jim".

Monsignor Ambrose Macauley spoke of "his organisational skills in planning great events".

These skills had brought artists to Northern Ireland and allowed the people to "see and appreciate their rich and varied talents", the priest said.

Other stars at the funeral included Boyzone band member Keith Duffy and the dancer Michael Flatley.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Irish President Mary McAleese were represented, as were Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart.

Speaking at the funeral, lifelong friend and business associate Jim Clarke described Mr Aiken as a man without borders or boundaries.

"Jim was born on the border at Jonesboro. He was proud of that - proud of being from Northern Ireland, proud of living in Belfast and proud of being Irish."

Ex-Boyzone member Keith Duffy and manager Louis Walsh were there

Earlier, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds described Mr Aiken as a "perfect gentleman" and a "true friend".

Rod Stewart, Charley Pride, and the Rolling Stones were among the stars he brought to Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

One of his proudest achievements was arranging a series of concerts in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast.